General information
Q: Where is the Student Health Center Clinic located?
The VSU Student Health Center is located on the ground floor of Memorial Hall
Q: What is the telephone number of the VSU Student Health Center?
Our main number is (804)524-5711
Q: What is the fax number of the VSU student Health Center?
Our fax number is (804)524-5026
Q: What is the email address of the VSU Student Health Center clinic?
Our email address is HealthCenter@vsu.edu
Please call us if you plan to send an email with your records or documentation so that we are able to review it quickly.
Q: What should I do if I am experiencing a medical emergency?
Call VSU Campus Police at (804)524-5411 and 911 for assistance when experiencing life threatening emergencies. Notify your Resident Director. If you were seen at an urgent care or hospitalized, and need assistance with follow up care or advice please call (804)524-5711.
Q:What services does the Student Health Clinic Offer?
A: The Student Health Center offers many services, including
- Health and Wellness Education
- Care for Injuries and Minor Illnesses
- Laboratory Testing
- Pregnancy Prevention Education/ Contraceptive Consultation
- Vaccinations and Tuberculosis Skin Testing
- Athletic Physicals
Q: How can I log into my VSU Student Health Portal?
A: Logging into your VSU Student Health Portal is easy. Visit VSU Student Health Services Patient Portal to log into Vista with your VSU credentials. You will see an app on your home screen with the name “MEDICAT”, which is the app for your student health portal.
Q: What personal care supplies should I bring with me to VSU?
The following items will help make your transition to college easier. Having these items available will help you avoid delays in treating potential illnesses and will save you time and money later:
- YOUR HEALTH INSURANCE CARD: The Student Health Center does not charge for visits but you may be charged for laboratory tests or if you need to see a provider off campus. Submit a copy of your insurance card with your health records. Check insurance for out of network/state coverage.
- First-Aid Kit: Include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, gauze, and medical tape
- Over-the-Counter Medications: Pain relievers (like acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen(Motrin), naproxen sodium(Aleve), cold and flu medicine, throat lozenges, allergy medicine (allergy pills/nasal sprays), eye drops, upset stomach/gas remedies (like Tums, Pepto Bismol, Gas X)
- Prescription Medications and Supplements: Ensure you have an adequate supply, along with copies of prescriptions. *If you have ASTHMA, bring your medication and nebulizer with you. If you have LIFE THREATENING ALLERGIES, bring an epinephrine auto injector (Epi Pen /Auvi Q) with you. Remember to bring your prescribed medications and make a plan with your provider for picking up refills with refills.
- Medication lock box (if needed)
- Alcohol prep pads if prescribed injectable medications and sharps container for needle disposal
- Thermometer: A digital thermometer is essential for monitoring your temperature if you are ill.
- Hand Sanitizer and face masks
- Personal Hygiene Products: Includes sanitary pads, tampons, facial tissue, toothpaste, toothbrush, dental floss, deodorant, and soap and sunscreen. Shower cap, shower caddy, shower “shoes”, nail clipper and emery boards.
- Household cleaning items: Disinfectant wipes, disinfectant spray, Laundry detergent, sheets, towels, pillows, disposable gloves, trash bags
Colds and Respiratory infections
Q: What is an upper respiratory infection (URI)?
A: An upper respiratory infection (URI) is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and sinuses. Common examples include the common cold, sinus infections, and sore throat. Most URIs are not serious and usually get better on their own.
Q: What are common symptoms of a URI or cold?
A: Common symptoms include a runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, cough, fatigue, mild headache or body aches, low‑grade fever, and nasal discharge that may be white, yellow, or green.
Q: How do colds and respiratory infections spread?
A: They spread through hand‑to‑hand contact, touching contaminated surfaces and then your face, and airborne droplets from coughing or sneezing. Covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze helps to prevent the spread of infections from airborne droplets. Wash/sanitize your hands well afterwards!
Q: How can I prevent getting sick on campus?
A:You can reduce your risk by:
- Washing hands frequently or using hand sanitizer
- Avoiding touching your face and when outdoors
- Cleaning high‑touch surfaces frequently
- Getting enough sleep and managing stress
- Eating a healthy diet with vitamins and protein
- Eating foods rich in Vitamin C, Vitamin D, and Zinc. Consider taking supplements if needed
- Staying up to date on vaccinations and getting an annual flu and COVID vaccine
- Wearing a mask when sick or in crowded spaces
- Change your toothbrush and oral care items after colds, strep, flu or COVID infections.
Q: Do I need antibiotics for a cold or URI?
A: No. Most upper respiratory infections are caused by viruses, and antibiotics only treat bacterial infections. Less than 2% of viral URIs turn into bacterial infections.
Q: What should I do if I have a fever?
A: If you have a fever (temperature of 100.4 or higher, you should stay away from others self-isolate at that point until fever-free for 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medication and with improvement of symptoms.
Q: What over‑the‑counter medications can help with cold symptoms?
A: Over‑the‑counter options may include:
- Ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain or fever
- Decongestants or nasal sprays for congestion
- Antihistamines for runny nose or postnasal drip
- Cough suppressants or expectorants
- Gargling with warm salt water, using humidifiers, or steam inhalation
Q: Does Student Health Services provide cold medications?
A: Yes. Student Health Services provides a limited supply of cold related care and medications as part of clinic visit free of charge.
Q: When should I see a medical provider for cold or flu symptoms?
A: You should schedule a visit at the Student Health Services clinic if your symptoms worsen or do not improve after 3 days, or if you have:
- Fever over 100.4 F lasting more than 24 hours
- Difficulty swallowing
- Chest pain, wheezing, or shortness of breath
- Persistent cough longer than 2 weeks
- Severe facial pain, ear pain, or white patches in the throat
Q: What should I do if I think that I have been exposed to COVID 19?
If you are not experiencing any signs of illness, it is not necessary to be tested. Avoid further exposure, wash your hands frequently and wear a mask when indicated.
If you develop symptoms:
- Begin isolation immediately
- Isolate for at least 5 days from symptom onset or test date
- Wear a mask when around others
- Continue masking for an additional 5 days after your 5 days period of isolation
- Practice excellent hand hygiene
- Notify your instructors, coaches, directors, professors, Residence Hall Director so that they are aware.
Q: Should I wear a mask if I’m sick ?
A: Yes. You should wear a mask if you have respiratory symptoms, especially when around others or if you share a room.
Vomiting and Diarrhea
Q: How can I care for myself if I am experiencing vomiting or diarrhea?
- Prevent Dehydration (Most Important)
Take small sips of a beverage, every 5–10 minutes. Good options include:
- Water
- Oral rehydration solutions (Pedialyte-type)
- Sports drinks diluted half with water (Gatorade-type beverage)
- Clear broth or ginger tea
If you vomit, wait 20–30 minutes, then try again slowly.
- Eat When You’re Ready
Once vomiting slows and you feel hungry:
- Start with bland foods like crackers, toast, rice, bananas, applesauce. Avoid spicy or greasy foods, alcohol, caffeine/energy drinks, and dairy products.
- Start with small amounts of dry foods and increase the amount you eat as tolerated.
- Rest & Protect Others
Resting will allow your body to recover more quickly. Avoid spreading potential infections to others.
- Rest as much as possible
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Avoid food prep for others until symptoms stop
- Avoid contact with others/stay in your residence hall room while you are having symptoms and for at least 24 hours after symptoms improve
- When to Seek Medical Care
Get medical help right away if you have ANY of the following:
- Signs of dehydration such as very dark urine or no urination for 8+ hours, dizziness when standing, dry mouth or extreme thirst and inability to drink fluids
- Fever over 100.4°F (38°C)
- Blood in vomit or stool
- Severe or worsening abdominal pain
- Vomiting that won’t stop or inability to keep fluids down
- Diarrhea lasting more than 48–72 hours
Call emergency services (911) if you experience:
- Confusion or fainting
- Severe abdominal pain
- Vomiting blood or black material
- High fever with stiff neck or unusual behavior
Injuries
Q: What should I do if I get injured during physical activity?
A:
- Stop the activity immediately.
- Use the R.I.C.E. method to take care of your injury. (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Consider use of anti-inflammatory pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Motrin/Advil) or pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol). Read the medication label for the correct dosage.
- Avoid putting weight on the injured area.
- Seek medical care for severe pain, swelling, inability to move the affected area, or abnormal appearance.
- If your symptoms worsen or are unimproved after the above recommendations, please contact Student Health Services, to schedule an appointment for evaluation at (804) 524-5711.
Q: How can I prevent strains and injuries?
A:
You can help prevent injuries by warming up before exercise, using proper posture and footwear, avoiding overtraining, and resting when needed.
Sexual Health
Q: How can I reduce my risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs)?
A:
Ways to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections includes:
- Practicing abstinence(not having sex)
- Mutual monogamy (one partner who is only with you and no one else)
- Using condoms or dental dams consistently and correctly
- Getting regular STI testing
- Limiting/reducing the number of partners
- Avoiding substance use before sexual activity
Reproductive Health
Q: Can I receive testing for sexually transmitted infections at the Student Health Center Clinic?
A: Yes! We offer sexually transmitted infection testing, by appointment on Tuesday and Thursday. You can schedule an appointment for testing on your Student Health Portal or call the clinic to schedule an appointment (804)524-5711
Q: Is there a charge for sexually transmitted infection testing at the student health clinic?
A: We perform testing for the following conditions free of charge!
- Chlamydia
- Gonorrhea
- HIV
- Syphilis
- Hepatitis B
- Hepatitis C
The following tests may be performed based on your symptoms. There is a charge associated with these tests. Your provider will discuss the tests and associated fees with you at the time of your visit:
- Herpes: blood and swabs
- Urine cultures
- “Mgen” (Mycoplasma/Ureaplasma)
- Trichomonas
- Bacterial Vaginosis panel laboratory testing
- Yeast infection panel laboratory testing
Q: How do I prepare for laboratory testing for sexually transmitted infections?
- Drink water before your visit to make it easier to get blood samples for testing
- You should not urinate in the hour before we collect your specimens so that we collect a good specimen for testing
- Reschedule your appointment if you are on your period
- Bring your insurance card and ID with you. We do not charge for your visit, but some recommended laboratory tests might have a fee that can be billed to your insurance.
- Be certain to complete all forms thoroughly
- Notify the staff if you think that you could be pregnant.
- If you have symptoms such as discharge, pain , abnormal bleeding , burning with urination, please make an appointment to be seen by calling the Student Health Center at (804)524-5711.
